Our Community Our Impact 2026 Impact Report
70% profits returned to community in the past 12 months
The Power Of Local $12.4 Million invested back into our community since 2003 Banking that builds a stronger community. Every community needs people who invest in its future. At Community Bank Inner East, that's exactly what we do. Since opening our doors in 2003, we've reinvested almost $12.4 million into the Inner East, supporting 431 local organisations and funding 2,847 community projects and programs. Every grant awarded, every sponsorship provided and every partnership formed has helped create stronger clubs, thriving schools, innovative research, inclusive programs and vital services that improve lives every day. The difference is simple: when you bank with us, your money stays here, helping local organisations provide opportunities for children, support vulnerable families, strengthen mental health, create places of belonging and build a community where everyone has the chance to thrive. That's the Community Bank difference. The impact reaches every corner of our community. It's the sporting club that can keep participation affordable. The 2
school that can deliver an event bringing families together. The neighbourhood house providing food relief and support for those doing it tough. The young person discovering their potential through a leadership program. The person with disability taking their first steps towards independent living. These aren't just projects, they're lives changed because local people chose to bank locally.
Choosing Community Bank Inner East costs nothing extra, yet every dollar you bank with us helps build a stronger, more connected and more resilient community. Every account opened, every home loan settled and every business supported helps create even greater impact. Together, we're proving that banking can be about more than transactions, it can be a powerful force for lasting local change.
Snapshot 2025–2026
$1.5M
In the past 12 months, we have proudly reinvested almost $1.5 million into our local community through 220 projects and initiatives, helping strengthen our community and create lasting positive change.
in community investment
Every investment reflects our commitment to supporting the people, organisations and initiatives that make our community stronger, more connected and more inclusive. From grassroots sporting clubs and local schools to community services and organisations providing vital support, we are proud to back those making a meaningful difference every day.
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The following pages highlight the incredible projects, partnerships and people we have supported this year, and the impact these investments are having across our community.
projects & initiatives
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS BY SECTOR
186
Community Support
Sporting Clubs
individual recipients
32% 50%
61
supporter sponsorships
13% 5% Education
Community Welfare 3
All Time Investment Where our money has been invested since 2003
$5.0M
Sporting Clubs
$2.7M
Community Support
$2.6M
Community Welfare
$1.4M
Community Projects
$0.6M Education
WHAT WE FUND Mentoring and leadership
Facility upgrades
Rotary, Lions and Probus clubs
Youth programs
Neighbourhood houses
Scholarships
Traders Associations
Scoreboards
Aged care services
Food relief
Community centres
Equipment
Disability support
Transport
Community events
Uniforms
We’re here to deliver strong, sustainable banking while reinvesting in the community that supports us. That commitment doesn’t change, only the ways we get to put it into action each year. 4
Bob Stensholt, Chair
Our Impact
Image credit: Passion Creations.
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Community Support $110,000
Supporting Better Health Outcomes for Our Community One of our largest commitments this year went to Eastern Health, reflecting how central public healthcare is to a thriving Inner East. Our funding covers new equipment as well as longer-term investment in research, innovation grants and workforce training, support designed to strengthen the health system well beyond this year’s budget. Through one of our Community Bank Inner East Research & Innovation Grants, we supported groundbreaking research
for critical medical training led by Dr Antonia Clarke exploring how Place, culture and connection influence brain health and dementia care for Aboriginal communities. The project brought together Aboriginal community members and healthcare workers, with insights helping to shape more culturally responsive models of care, including a new locally led brain care clinic. By turning community voices into meaningful action, this research is influencing future policy, improving care and creating lasting impact for Aboriginal communities.
Thanks to funding from Community Bank Inner East, Eastern Health now has invested $110,000 into the Simulation Laboratory for new advanced equipment to train over 4,000 staff every year. These stateof-the-art tools, from paediatric and adult life support mannequins to central venous access simulators, help doctors and nurses practice critical procedures like CPR and resuscitation in a safe, realistic environment. Eastern Health 6
Healthy Brain Ageing, By Jacinta Smith-Robins.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The funding from Community Bank Inner East means so much as we wouldn’t be able to put on the event without it. We’re greatly appreciative! Burwood Traders Association
Supporting the Heart of Our Local Precincts Vibrant local shopping villages are the heart of a connected community, but many are facing increasing pressure in the current economic climate. Our ongoing support of local traders' associations helps bring these precincts to life through community events, festivals and initiatives that attract visitors, support small businesses and create places where people want to gather. Many of these activities simply would not be possible without our funding. By investing in our local retail precincts, we are helping businesses remain resilient, strengthening the local economy and fostering thriving, welcoming neighbourhoods for everyone.
This funding has made a significant impact on HART, local businesses and the wider community. As an Association without a special rate scheme, grants like this are vital in helping us deliver events and initiatives that increase visitation, support traders and strengthen community connection. The funding has helped create a more vibrant and welcoming precinct, and we are grateful for the support that enables Hartwell to continue thriving as a valued local hub. Hartwell Traders Association
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Supporting the Hubs that Hold Our Communities Together We launched a pilot program to strengthen the sustainability of local Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres, recognising that these organisations are often the first place people turn when they need support. By investing in additional staffing and management capacity, we enabled centres to expand programs, increase their reach and respond to growing community needs. This means more people can access vital services such as food relief, disability advocacy, social connection and practical support, while ensuring these essential community hubs remain resilient, sustainable and able to continue making a meaningful difference for those who need them most.
The grant has enabled the delivery of a nurturing, inclusive playgroup that supports children’s confidence, social development and early learning during the critical early years. The program has provided a vital pathway for children experiencing anxiety, developmental challenges and communication delays, while also strengthening connections for families who may otherwise be isolated. By supporting early intervention, inclusion and access to additional services, the funding has created lasting benefits for children and their families. Bowen St Community Neighbourhood Centre
Our grant has enhanced the Centre’s capacity to deliver quality services by strengthening administration, supporting staff and volunteers, and improving the overall member experience. The funding has driven membership growth, improved financial sustainability and enabled the delivery of important community education and support programs, ensuring the Centre remains a thriving and responsive community hub. Ashburton Community Centre
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The grant has been transformative for Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre, providing the management support needed to strengthen the centre’s long-term sustainability and reduce reliance on volunteers. It has enabled the expansion of community programs, increased participation and hall hire, enhanced food relief and community meals, and improved volunteer support. Most importantly, the centre has become a stronger, more welcoming hub where more local people can access services, build connections and receive the support they need. Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre
The grant has enabled the successful expansion of programs to a second site, creating new opportunities for community participation and connection. Within five months, 11 new programs were established with 91 participants enrolled, while enhanced marketing and promotion contributed to membership growth of more than 50 people. The funding has laid the foundation for continued expansion, increasing access to community activities and supporting the organisation’s longterm growth and sustainability. Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre
Supporting Communities Through Crisis When devastating bushfires impacted communities across Victoria in 2026, we proudly contributed to the Bendigo Bank Bushfire Appeal to help those affected begin their recovery. While the fires were beyond our local community, supporting the appeal reflected our commitment to standing alongside Victorians in times of crisis. Together, we helped provide vital assistance to individuals and families as they rebuild their lives, demonstrating the power of collective action when communities need it most.
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Community Welfare
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COMMUNITY WELFARE
On behalf of everyone at Alkira, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Inner East Community Finance for their extraordinary support in funding the construction of our new bungalow, now proudly known as Bendigo House.
Opening the Door to Independence We funded the entire construction of a self-contained two-bedroom house on site at Alkira in Mont Albert. Our investment in this transitional home marks a defining milestone in our commitment to creating lasting community impact. As the largest single project we have ever funded, it will provide more than a place to live, it will open the door to independence, confidence and opportunity for people living with an intellectual disability. Residents will be supported to develop the skills needed to live more independently, while gaining greater choice, dignity and connection to their community. For families, it offers peace of mind knowing their loved ones have the opportunity to build fulfilling, meaningful lives with the support they need to thrive. This is a legacy project that will transform lives for years to come.
For many years, Inner East Community Finance has been a valued community partner, sharing our commitment to creating opportunities for people with intellectual disability to live fulfilling and independent lives. Their generous investment has transformed what was once a vision into a reality. Bendigo House provides a beautiful, purpose-built home where people can enjoy greater independence, choice, dignity, and security. This project represents far more than bricks and mortar—it creates lasting opportunities for individuals to thrive within a supportive community. The impact of this contribution will be felt for many years to come. We are deeply grateful to Inner East Community Finance and the Community Bank Inner East network for their belief in our vision and their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support. Alkira 11
COMMUNITY WELFARE
Together, Supporting Local Families Our ongoing support for The Edge Community Fund helps children in Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone access the everyday building blocks of childhood, playgroups, kinder, school camps and sport, that some families would otherwise have to go without.
As the Edge Community Fund enters its 21st year of operation, we would like to acknowledge the unwavering support of Ashburton Community Bank. Without this support, we would not have been able to assist so many local families experiencing hardship. The Bank’s partnership has provided the foundation for us to expand our charitable work and build strong collaborations with local primary schools and other organisations supporting children and families, enabling us to reach more people in need. The Edge Community Fund
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Connection Through Digital Inclusion We are pleased to have provided new portable computers to Burke & Beyond. The not-for-profit disability service provider, empowers people with disability to build confidence, independence and meaningful community connections. Through personalised day programs, outreach support, life skills development and employment and volunteering opportunities, the organisation helps participants achieve their goals while fostering inclusion and lasting friendships. Its community-based approach creates stronger, more connected communities where people with disability are supported to thrive and participate fully in everyday life.
COMMUNITY WELFARE
Thanks to the support of Community Bank Inner East, we have been able to purchase portable laptops that are transforming the way people engage in our programs. Participants with disability now have greater access to technology, helping build confidence, strengthen communication skills and develop digital capabilities that support greater independence. By breaking down barriers to digital inclusion, this funding is creating new opportunities for learning, connection and participation, ensuring more people can build the skills they need to thrive. Burke & Beyond 13
Education
Image courtesy of Swinburne University
Inspiring Young Minds, Creating Possibilities In addition to funding a scholarship at Swinburne University we also supported their Children’s University Program. Children’s University (CU) Swinburne is an early intervention program that inspires a lifelong love of learning and helps young people from disadvantaged communities reach their full potential. Working with students from Grade 2 through to Year 12. Our funding supported the CU Secondary Program through the Passport to Volunteering initiative that enabling students to develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills while building confidence and community connections through meaningful volunteering. Specifically, our funding provided the opportunity to deliver a series of workshops including Financial Literacy and Health and Wellbeing, equipping
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students with practical knowledge and strategies to support their transition through their senior school years and beyond. Students’ achievements were recognised and celebrated at the annual graduation ceremony, reinforcing the value of their contributions and encouraging continued engagement. As the only Children’s University program in Victoria, Swinburne continues to expand its reach, creating greater opportunities for young people across the state.
I learned that volunteering is something really important for the community and for yourself. You get to learn lots about other people. It's a way that you can grow. I liked raising money to help with the sustainability of the school. I found out what I'm passionate about, so I might want to explore further. Children’s University – Passport to Volunteering, students in Year 9 & 10
EDUCATION
Building Strong Foundations for Future Generations Schools and kindergartens are much more than places of learning, they are the heart of their communities, bringing families together and creating lifelong connections. Throughout the year, we proudly supported major fundraising events including school fairs, fetes, trivia nights and colour runs, helping these communities raise vital funds to enhance facilities, resources and opportunities for local children. Beyond the dollars raised, these events strengthen the fabric of our community. They create opportunities for families to connect, volunteers to come together and local businesses to get involved, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. By backing these initiatives, we are helping schools and kindergartens continue to thrive as vibrant community hubs where children, families and neighbourhoods can grow together.
We are incredibly grateful for the generous funding provided to Summerhill Park Kindergarten. This support has made a meaningful difference to our kindergarten community, helping us enhance the learning environment and provide enriching experiences for our children. Thank you for investing in the wellbeing, development, and future of our youngest learners. Summerhill Park Kindergarten
We are very appreciative to the Community Bank for the grant we received to purchase new equipment for our kindergarten. The items have enhanced our learning space, and supported our children in the kindergarten journey through to school. Davis St Kindergarten
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EDUCATION
Unlocking Confidence and Possibility Investing in young people is an investment in the future of our community. By supporting local secondary school students to attend the Magic Moments Youth Leadership Summit, we gave them the opportunity to develop the confidence, resilience and leadership skills needed to thrive both at school and beyond. Through practical learning in communication, financial literacy, emotional wellbeing and personal leadership, students returned with a greater belief in their own potential and the confidence to make a positive contribution to their schools and communities. Experiences like these help shape capable, connected and empowered young leaders who are ready to embrace future opportunities.
I had the opportunity to attend the Magic Moments Summit thanks to your amazing support. When I first arrived at the camp, I was unsure how to feel, but over the 5 days, I have felt so much love and learnt so much about myself. We have built a community based off vulnerability, openness and kindness. I am going to move forward from this with an open and curious mindset and new confidence. I am so grateful for this opportunity, thank you. Mary
From this experience, I feel I am so ready to go and take on the world. I know I’m ready to go thrive, make an impact and leave my mark. Without your support, I would never have been able to experience this. You’ve changed the direction of my life for the best. Thank you, thank you. Brigitte
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SPORT
Sport
Grassroots Grows Here Grassroots sporting clubs are the heartbeat of our community, bringing people together, fostering friendships and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, connected and supported. This year, we proudly supported 76 local sporting clubs across 18 different sports, helping remove barriers to participation and ensuring more people can experience the physical, social and mental health benefits that community sport provides. Our funding extends far beyond the playing field. By supporting uniforms, equipment, coaching development, facility improvements and inclusive programs, we are helping clubs create safe, welcoming environments where everyone feels they belong. These investments strengthen the long-term sustainability of local clubs, enabling them to continue serving their communities and inspiring generations of players, volunteers and leaders. We also continued our partnership with Sport and Life Training (SALT), providing more than 15 local clubs with free mental
health and wellbeing programs. By equipping players, coaches and volunteers with the tools to support positive mental health, we are helping build stronger, more resilient sporting communities where people are valued not only for how they perform, but for who they are.
Community Bank Inner East have been a long standing sponsor of the club and have been vital contributors to a number of projects over many years. Their grant for our new sightscreens continues a lengthy tradition of supporting our infrastructure and equipment requirements, and we are grateful for their ongoing assistance. Camberwell Magpies Cricket Club
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SPORT
Leadership & Governance in Sports Clubs
Funding Recipients 2025–2026 1st Canterbury Scout Group 1st Glen Iris Scout Group
Strong sporting clubs rely on strong leadership behind the scenes. Our funding provided to the Eastern Cricket Association, enabled the delivery of the ClubMAP program to more than 80 member clubs, equipping volunteers and committee members with the skills, knowledge and resources to build stronger, more sustainable organisations. By improving governance, strengthening leadership and supporting long-term planning, ClubMAP helps clubs attract and retain volunteers, grow participation and secure their future. The result is more resilient clubs that can spend less time on administration and more time creating inclusive, thriving sporting environments that benefit players, families and the wider community.
1st North Balwyn Scout Group Alamein FC Alkira Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre Ashburton Baptist Community Services Ashburton Chinese Senior Friendship Association Ashburton Combined Probus Club Ashburton Community Centre Ashburton Netball Club Ashburton Primary School Ashburton Tennis Club Ashburton Traders Association Ashburton United Junior Football Club Ashburton United Soccer Club Ashburton Willows Cricket Club Ashgrove Calisthenics Ashwood Preschool Association Ashwood School Auburn Primary School Australian Boys Choir Balwyn Historical Society Balwyn Saints Cricket Club Bendigo Bank Bushfire Appeal Bengali Cultural Association
The partnership we have with Community Bank Inner East provides significant financial support to enable the CLUBMAP program to be run for our 80+ clubs in the Eastern Cricket Association. This program with help our participating clubs to survive and in many cases thrive into the future. In the current challenging economic conditions, it can be the difference between a community cricket club disbanding to being able to keep going and growing. Eastern Cricket Association
Borondara Community Outreach Boroondara Eagles Football Club Boroondara Netball Association Boroondara Stroke Support Group Box Hill Arts Group Box Hill Athletics Centre Box Hill Ballet Association Box Hill Golf Club Box Hill Hawks Football Club Box Hill United Soccer Club BUGS Gymnastics Bulleen Cricket Club Burke and Beyond Burwood Cricket Club Burwood District Bowls Club Burwood Uniting Canterbury Cricket Club Camberwell Central Bowls Club Camberwell Community Centre
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Camberwell Dragons Basketball Club
Kew Toy Library
Sports and Life Training
Camberwell Hockey Club
Kiwi Hawthorn Rugby Club
Camberwell Lacrosse Club
Koonung Heights Cricket Club
St Mary's Salesian Amateur Football Club
Camberwell Magpies Cricket Club
Kooyongkoot Alliance
Camberwell Petanque Club
Learning For Life Autism Centre
Cantate Singers
Life Activities Club Boroondara
Canterbury Area Toy Library
Lynden Park Scouts
Canterbury Cougars Basketball Club
Magic Moments Foundation
Canterbury Council of Churches
Maling Road Business Association
Canterbury Cricket Club
Melbourne Ice Women
Surrey Hills Music Festival
Canterbury Football Club
Midweek East Metropolitan Region Ladies' Tennis Association
Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre Surrey Hills Netball Club
MND Victoria
Surrey Hills Pre-school
Monash Chinese Senior Friendship Association
Surrey Hills Primary School
Mont Albert Cricket Club
Surrey Park Football Club
Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre Chinese Seniors Cultural Association Churches of North Balwyn Davis Street Kindergarten Deakin Cricket Club Deepdene Bears Cricket Club
MUPPITS
St Michaels Primary School St Pauls Kindergarten STC South Camberwell Cricket Club Strathcona Girls Grammar School Summerhill Park Kindergarten Surrey Hills Baptist Children
Surrey Hills Traders Association Surrey Park Lacrosse
Deepdene United Cricket Club
North Balwyn Community Men's Shed
East Kew Football Club
North Balwyn Cricket Club
Eastern Cricket Association
North Balwyn Tennis Club
Eastern Cricket Umpires Association
North Kew Tennis Club
Eastern Football Netball League
Old Carey Cricket Club
Eastern Health Eastern Legal Service
Old Carey Grammarians Football Club
Eastern Lions Soccer Club
Old Scotch Cricket Club
U3A Box Hill
Education Chances
Old Scotch Football Club
Unit Committee TS Melbourne
Eva Tilley Memorial Home
Old Trinity Grammarians Amateur Football Club
Vietnamese Community in Australia, Victoria Chapter
Old Trinity Grammarians Water Polo Club
Vietnamese Senior Cultural Association
Old Xavierian Soccer Club
Wattle Park Amateur Football Club
Our Holy Redeemer Primary School
Wattle Park Ladies Golf Club Inc
Playstation Incorporated
Wattle Park Saints Basketball Club
Probus Club of Balwyn Central
Waverley Hockey Club
Probus Club of Camberwell
Waverley Woodworkers Inc
Probus Club of Glenferrie
Whitehorse Pioneers Football Club
Probus Club of Maling (Combined)
Wyclif Cricket Club
FC Bulleen Lions Glen Iris Cricket Club Glen Iris Junior Football Club Glenferrie Brass Go Girls Foundation Grace Park Hawthorn Club Hartwell Association of Residents and Traders Hawthorn Amateur Football Club Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club Hawthorn Bowling Club Hawthorn Hockey Club Hawthorn Rowing Club Highgate Early Learning Centre It's the Little Things Community KBH Brumbies Hockey Club Kew East Primary School Kew Football Club Kew High School Kew Junction Business Association Kew Little Athletics Centre Kew Rovers Football Club
Probus Greythorn Richmond Union Cricket Club Roberts McCubbin Primary School Rotary Club of Balwyn Rotary Club of Box Hill Burwood Rotary Club of Camberwell Scouts Australia - Camberwell Showtime Servants Community Housing Shirdi Sai Sansthan Melbourne Skunkworks Solway Primary School South Yarra Football Netball Club
Swinburne Chorale Swinburne Football Club Swinburne University The Alice Anderson Memorial Project The Compassionate Friends Victoria The Edge Community Fund Trinity Willison Cricket Club
Who We Are Community Bank Inner East is operated by Inner East Community Finance, a locally owned company operating as part of the Bendigo Bank Community Bank network. For more than 23 years we’ve provided banking services to individuals, families and businesses across Melbourne’s Inner East, through our four branches and mobile lending specialists. The difference is what happens to the profit. Up to 60% of what we make is reinvested straight back into the community through grants and sponsorships, which means the more our business grows, the more we’re able to give. Banking with us is a way of directing your own money back into the community you live in. $12 million and counting.
Get in touch Head Office 145 Maling Road, Canterbury Branches Canterbury: Ashburton: Balwyn: Surrey Hills:
9836 9466 9885 2666 9836 8029 9890 7188
www.iecf.com.au
Community Bank Inner East Community Bank Inner East